14 Best GIF Makers [Desktop, Online & Mobile]

To make a GIF, follow these simple steps:

  1. Download and launch Movavi Video Converter.
  2. Add the video to the program.
  3. Choose a fragment.
  4. Choose GIF as the output format and convert files.
Edited by Ben Jacklin
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You might be wondering what programs to make GIFs are out there. Here we’ll take you through the world of GIF editing software and GIF programs for both Mac and PC as well as apps that make GIFs, highlighting the best GIF maker in each category.

There are plenty of GIF makers on the Internet. We’ve compared some of the best options and now are ready to present to you some of the variants worthy of attention, including free online options and desktop apps.

Software

Platform

Compatibility

Download

Desktop

Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux

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Best GIF editor software

Going with GIF editor software, rather than the online or app route, gives you a healthy set of features right on your desktop. Download it once, install it, and have reliable GIF creation software at your fingertips, with no need to be connected to the net. Moreover, the software is designed to integrate into whichever system you use, creating an optimal experience.

If you’re looking for a GIF maker to download or a good GIF-editing program, consider these GIF editors for Windows, macOS, and more:

1. Movavi Video Converter

Operating systems: Windows and macOS

Best for: batch conversion & ability to convert files to 180+ formats

The latest edition of Movavi Video Converter is much more than just a powerful piece of GIF-making software. As the name suggests, it’s a dynamic tool for video conversion that allows you to convert video and media files at warp speed and transfer that video to any platform or device. You can also extract audio and images from videos with a click. Once you have what you need, you can rotate, crop, and merge video as needed all in the same place, which makes it a stellar GIF-making program as well.

How to make a GIF with Movavi Video Converter

  1. First, download, install, and launch the software.
  2. Drag and drop the source video into the program.
  3. Click Edit and use the tools on the Trim tab to delete all the unnecessary fragments.
  4. Then hit Save and Close.
  5. From the Images tab, select GIF as the target format and choose an appropriate preset.
  6. To create a GIF, click Convert.

For more details, read the article linked below:

How to convert video to GIF with Movavi Video Converter

Pros:

  • Very quickly convert to over 180 formats

  • Batch conversion

  • Editing and conversion in one place

  • Intuitive interface

  • 200+ presets that cover all popular devices

Cons:

  • Can’t convert GIFs by URL

2. GIMP

Operating systems: Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux

Best for: comprehensive image editing

GIMP has been around for well over 2 decades making it an old standby as far as software goes. For those wondering, GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, and as such, it’s first and foremost an image editor. As far as comparisons go, think of it as being similar to Photoshop from Adobe. Because GIFs are essentially just animated images, GIMP is a stellar piece of freeware for that and more and one of the better free GIF editors out there.

Pros:

  • Very refined image editing tools

  • Simple process for creating GIFs (see FAQs)

  • Open-source (free) GIF maker

Cons:

  • Complex program to learn

  • Not as intuitive and can be confusing

3. SSuite Gif Animator

Operating system: Windows

Best for: simple interface

SSuite Gif Animator is straightforward, no-frills, free GIF editor software. With very little learning curve, you can be up and running creating GIFs, slide shows, and even basic videos with a few clicks. For those looking for simplicity, it doesn’t get simpler than this GIF maker software which is free to download for PC and takes almost no space on your computer. As green software, it’s designed to use the least resources on your system.

Pros:

  • Can use on both 32- and 64-bit systems

  • Creates GIFs quickly

  • Unfussy user interface

  • No registration

  • Have an online edition in case you don’t want to download

Cons:

  • Takes some time to learn to use effectively

  • Not many functions you have control over

  • Only supports JPG, JPEG, PNG, and BMP images

  • Unavailable on other operating systems

4. GiftedMotion

Operating systems: Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux

Best for: users who want to save hard drive space – the app comes as a JAR file so no installation necessary

With GIF right in the name, GiftedMotion exists for one reason; to help you make GIFs with ease. Developed by Onyxbits and also small in size, this too is a piece of free GIF-making software. As they mention on their site, in creating GiftedMotion they take the KISS approach (“keep it simple stupid”) and offer up a painless GIF creating experience.

Pros:

  • Essentially no learning curve

  • Has a preview function

  • No need for installation, only requires adding the JAR to your desktop (requires Java)

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support formats other than JPG, JPEG, PNG, and BMP

  • Slow to load large files

5. ScreenToGif

Operating system: Windows

Best for: creating GIFs by recording what’s on your screen

ScreenToGif is a pretty nifty and clever program to make GIFs that allows you to create GIFs by recording your screen, webcam, or sketchboard. Put differently, you can turn what you’re looking at on-screen into a GIF in minutes. With basic editing controls built-in you can add the cuts you need and manipulate frames as necessary and, if need be, add an existing video or image into a project you’re working on. It’s another GIF maker that’s free to download.

Pros:

  • Screen recorder lets you choose which part of your screen to record rather than the entire thing

  • Export to GIF, APNG, video, image, PSD, or a ScreenToGif project

  • Available in 24 languages

  • Open-source and available as portable so installing isn’t required

Cons:

  • A little bit of a learning curve

  • Only available on Windows

There you have it, some of the best GIF maker software out there, whether it’s a GIF maker for Windows, Mac, or Linux, there are options to cover all bases.

And as you can see, GIF editor software runs the gamut of both complexity and functionality. When considering GIF-making software that makes sense for you, think about what you really need and your level of skill because some will require more time to learn than others. Whether it’s animation GIF freeware or something more premium, there’s surely one that fits your requirements.

Best GIF makers online

Perhaps you don’t make enough GIFs to warrant downloading some choice GIF-making software free or otherwise, that’s fair enough. Sometimes you want the convenience of jumping onto a website and getting it done that way, a GIF maker that’s online in other words. To make a GIF online, just pick one of the services below.

6. Piskel

Best for: creating pixel art

OS: web version; Windows, macOS, Linux

Likely the most unique GIF maker on this list, Piskel is focused on pixel art, which the name hints at. Think along the lines of old-school Mega Man graphics. You can create “sprites” as they call them in their free online editor. They also offer a downloadable, offline version which is particularly convenient.

Pros:

  • Online and offline versions – offline works for Windows, macOS, and Linux

  • Live preview of your animation as you make it

  • Open-source

Cons:

  • Can only upload pictures

  • Really only meant for that 8-bit sort of look

7. GIPHY

Best for: creating GIFs with clips from social media platforms

OS: any, web-based

Among the best-known places on the web to get and create GIFs, GIPHY says they serve 10+ billion pieces of their content – GIFs, stickers, arcade, video, and more – to the north of 700 million around the world. Even with seemingly endless GIFs, you can’t always find what you’re looking for, to that end, GIPHY is also among the top free GIF animators online.

Pros:

  • Simple uploading module to create GIFs

  • Quite a bit you can add to edit video and images, like; animated captions, stickers, filters, and more

  • Can make GIFs with clips from YouTube, Vimeo, and many, many others

  • Seemingly never-ending supply of already made GIFs

Cons:

  • Search can be tedious due to the abundance of content

  • Accepted formats for upload are only accepted as JPG, PNG, GIF, MPF, and MOV

  • GIFs can only be 15 seconds long

8. Imgur

Best for: creating GIFs up to 60 seconds long

OS: any, web-based

Launched in 2009, Imgur is another well-known online GIF maker. With a reach of over 250 million people per month and billions of views, you’ve likely crossed paths with content that was generated here. In fact, Imgur is a top 15 ranked site by Alexa.

Pros:

  • Easy to use – click new post, then “video to GIF”, add your URL, and trim

  • Also has a huge database of community-generated content

  • No need to make an account to use

  • Can make GIFs up to 60 seconds long

Cons:

  • Limited file types supported for upload

  • Editing features not particularly robust

  • Load times can vary

9. Ezgif

Best for: loading up to 2,000 images

OS: any, web-based

Ezgif is much more like the free GIF maker software we reviewed above in that it's purpose-built for that, whereas GIPHY and Imgur have a community aspect. With Ezgif, you simply upload your files and make a GIF, it very much lives up to its name in that sense.

Pros:

  • A high ease of use and no need for much tech-savvy

  • Supports more formats than other online options; GIF, JPG, PNG, APNG, HEIC, MNG, FLIF, AVIF, WebP, and others

  • Can handle up to 2,000 files

  • Has a “tips” section which offers great advice

Cons:

  • Not many options for manipulating images

10. Picasion

Best for: easily creating GIFs online

OS: any, web-based

Picasion follows in the style of Ezgif; an online tool for producing GIFs on the fly. Without any bells and whistles, Picasion is about as to the point as it gets. You can upload images from your computer, a URL, or a webcam and get going.

Pros:

  • Very straightforward

  • No registration needed

  • Can also make create avatars and resize

Cons:

  • Outdated, clumsy user interface

  • Can’t make GIF from a video

  • Limited functionality all around

11. Make a GIF

Best for: controlling speed down to the millisecond

OS: any, web-based

Like Imgur and GIPHY, Make a GIF both hosts quite a lot of community-made GIFs and is also a place you can come to in order to make your own. You’ll find GIFs for inspiration and easy-to-follow instructions to turn your pictures and videos into GIFs.

Pros:

  • Clearly marked guidelines for uploading right on the homepage

  • Can upload pictures, YouTube & Facebook videos, and your own videos and other GIFs

  • Intuitive controls

Cons:

  • The free version includes a watermark

  • Need to use premium version to access certain stickers

  • The interface is clean but can be glitchy

For a one-off GIF now and then, an online solution will no doubt suit you well but what about for those on the move that still want the ability to make or find a GIF?

  1. For comprehensive image editing: GIMP

  2. For those looking for simplicity: SSuite Gif Animator

Best mobile GIF maker apps

With a phone in everyone’s hand these days and half of the world’s web traffic being generated from mobile, it stands to reason that not only would you want to have the ability to make a GIF on the go but also that there would be some strong video to GIF apps available.

Luckily, there are, and we’ll take you through the best GIF makers for Android and Apple that can help you turn video into a GIF in-app and more.

12. GIPHY

Operating systems: Android and iOS

Best for: creating GIFs with AR features

You already learned about GIPHY’s online tool above but did you know they have a GIF creator app too? Yes indeed, in addition to having access to their massive library, with this GIF animation app you can create GIFs in real-time. Plus, a whole host of other options, including some AR features. As a GIF maker app, GIPHY is a solid choice.

Pros:

  • Same powerful tools as the online version for creating GIFs

  • Extra features like stickers and augmented reality

  • Integrates as a keyboard extension so you can add GIFs into conversations on iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and other apps

  • Editor’s Choice on Play Store

Cons:

  • Can be glitchy on occasion

  • If you’re searching for a GIF, it could be tough to find what you want because of the sheer quantity

13. ImgPlay

Operating systems: Android and iOS

Best for: lots of filters and text animations

ImgPlay is another one of the apps to make a GIF that’s worth a look. With a sleek design and an intuitive layout, this animated GIF app shines with various filters, stickers, and editing capabilities as well that make it a strong choice.

Pros:

  • Can shoot video in-app

  • 30+ filters and color correction for editing making for aesthetically pleasing results from this GIF photo app

  • Merge multiple videos into one

Cons:

  • Has ads

14. GifMe!

Operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows

Best for: creating GIFs from imported photos and videos from your camera roll

GifMe! is a nice no-frills GIF animation app that lets you turn a video you shot on your phone into a GIF in no time. You can also create GIFs from imported photos and videos from your camera roll and apply filters, stickers, text, and borders.

Pros:

  • Easy to use GIF editor app

  • Simple interface

  • Can import GIFs to edit from Tenor

  • It’s a GIF maker app for Windows phones – one of the few if you’re still using that type of phone

Cons:

  • Options for customization are somewhat constrained

  • Not as intuitive as other apps

Regardless of the type of phone you use, there’s no doubt an Apple or Android GIF maker will fit the bill for you.

Needless to say, you have a lot of great options to choose from with respect to apps, online editors, and GIF animation software, so find what works best for you and have some fun!

Frequently asked questions

What is a GIF?

How does GIF work?

How do I make an animated GIF?

How do I make a GIF with sound?

Can I make a GIF with my iPhone?

How do I turn a picture into a GIF?

How do I download a GIF from GIPHY on a PC?

How do I edit GIFs in GIMP?

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